More Fun, Less Sun: Spending Less Time in Lines

Theme park vacations are great, but waiting in lines to purchase food and long ride wait times can make you hot and cranky. Fortunately, you can find ways to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend waiting in lines on your theme park vacations--thus increasing the amount of time you have to enjoy yourselves. Here are some helpful tips:

• Make an "appointment" for rides to eliminate waiting in lines. Some theme parks allow guests to reserve specific times to go on rides using special tickets or electronic passes.
• Sign up for packages and special offers. Many packages and special offers for theme park vacations include special perks for guests--including passes for reduced ride wait times.
• Take advantage of special tickets or passes that give you priority over non-pass holders and reduce food line and ride wait times significantly. They may cost more, but they can be worth the extra expense if you plan on going on a lot of rides.
• Visit in the off-season or on weekdays. Most theme parks are packed during summer weekends and school vacation weeks. Planning theme park vacations for low-volume times won't only save you money: You'll probably spend less time waiting in lines for rides and food.